Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 03704 | 09/03/2004 | 10010021 | Engine bank 1 and bank 2 a/f and 02 identification. various toyota models. *tt | 11/03/2004 | |
| 020499 | 02/04/1999 | 605166 | Information regarding revised timing belt tension spring. *tt | 06/02/1999 | |
| EG00197 | 01/17/1997 | 51257 | Interal engine noise when idling at normal operating temperature. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | ||||||
| DP02004 | TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 04/30/2002 | 06/20/2002 | ENGINE SEIZURE | ||
| Alleged that the engine seizure due to oil sludge | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 01/24/2007 | 14000 | 3 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1996 toyota camry. the contact stated that nothing was wrong with her vehicle when she took it to have an oil change. the mechanic performing the oil change stated that the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. the contact was also informed that there was motor failure, however she states otherwise. the motor was replaced and now the vehicle shakes when started, sounds like a tractor, and she smells diesel fumes in the passenger compartment. the purchase date and engine size were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 14,000. | |||
| 03/25/2004 | 75000 | 1 | 08/08/2003 |
| 8/2003 bought car. at 75.000 miles, freeze plugs started to go. one after the other. leaving me stranded many times. after we replaced the freeze plugs, 76.000 miles the car started dumping its coolant through the overflow tank.. could not get answers from phillips toyota. started loosing oil. the obd light has never come on. the car runs quite and smooth. made several attempts to take care of this problem with the corporation, but they will not help. also, the brakes have always made loud noises, and the cruise control has a mind of its own. car has now, 130000 miles on it, and all i can do, is add water every 25 miles or so. none of the shops we have taken it to can tell us what the problem is. can you help me please. *jb | |||
| 01/16/2005 | 67000 | 1 | 12/26/2003 |
| The oil passage was too narrow, not letting oil into the crank shaft. this caused a rod to blow through the block, which caused the engine to fail and no longer to operate. manufacturer was contacted by owner.*ak engine was replaced with a used motor, timing belt, water pump and cap rotor wires. manufacturer was notified but did not do anything. *tt | |||
| 05/15/2003 | 140000 | ||
| After purchasing the car in march 2002, all oil changes were performed by me. the previous owner is a friend, and i know the car was maintained very well (appearance of the car also reflects this). in early may 2003, with my wife driving, the car threw #1 piston rod through the block. the engine still had ample oil, and only had 1500 miles after an oil change (i change the oil between 3-4000 miles, religously). this is not the type of engine failure to expect from a well maintained car, and after pulling the motor out, i noticed sludge all over the oil pan, valve covers, and on various engine components. | |||
| 04/15/1999 | 38391 | ||
| Original engine valve seals failed prematurely at 38k miles are were repaired by dealer under warranty. after another 40k miles the seals failed again. dealer estimate for second prematuer valve seal repair is $1,000. | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 79988 | ||
| Complain i own a 1996 toyota camry that recently experienced an engine damage due to the build-up of oil sludge before 80,000 miles. my car has the same 2.2l 4 cylinder engine as their camry 1997-2001 models, which toyota agreed to cover the cost of repairing those engines. however, despite the fact that my car has the same engine and it was produced two months prior to that time frame, because it is in a 1996 model, toyota has refused to cover the cost of repairing it. there is no disputing that the failure of thousands of these engines as a result of a build-up of oil sludge can be attributable only to the fact that these engines are defective. as such, it is absolutely outrageous that toyota should take responsibility for the repair of some of these defective engines and not others. thank you for your consideration. | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 158000 | ||
| Took camry to dealer (world toyota) discovered engine sludge problem, entire engine needs to be replaced, cannot re-build.. notified customer service twice at toyota main office. still have not resolved issue. | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 64600 | ||
| Idle problem. taken to mechanic twice. have replaced isc valve at least once a year since 1996 (twice in 1997 and 1998), in the last year car has stalled when slowing down to complete engine shutdown in middle of roadway. engine takes a few tries to start again. | |||
| 02/15/2000 | 39486 | ||
| I have engine gelling that has led to engine damage severe enough that i will either need a new short block or new engine (according to toyota). even with all of the work that i have already had on the vehicle, the engine is not in proper running order and will take thousands of dollars to remedy the issue. | |||
| 03/15/2003 | 80000 | ||
| My 1996 camry was recently diagnosed with a major sludge problem requiring a new engine after only 80,000 miles. the car has the same 2.2l 4 cylinder engine that has been shown to be susceptible to this sludge problem, but toyota has refused to cover the cost of repairing my engine under the "special policy" repair program that they implemented to address the problem with this engine. toyota did not dispute that it was the same engine that has experienced this problem - instead, the ridiculous and totally illogical reason they gave was that their "special policy" repair program was limited to the engines manufactured during an arbitrary time period and the engine in my camry fell outside that period by two months. in other words, they are fixing some of these defective engines but not others. | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 59000 | ||
| Took my car in to have the timing belt replaced and to find out what the cause of these problems were; car worked fine otherwise: rattle ling noises coming from valve cover, engine consuming coolant, front engine seals leaking. total cost for these repairs was $1992.42 got my car back from the dealer, four days later the car dies on the road. car was towed back to dealer at their expense. dealer found that the timing belt had skipped. they replaced the timing belt, declared car fixed and gave me the keys. i drove off and got as far as two blocks away from dealer before the car died again. this time the dealer said that the problem was due to engine gel. the dealer said the repairs would be covered by toyota but only if i could show proof of oil changes receipts, which i provided. i'm now trying to recover a refund for the repairs that i previously paid for that were due to the engine gel problems. | |||
| 12/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| Engine was running fine but was taking it in for 60k mile service. toyota dealership informed me of a bad oil sludge problem and estimated the repairs to be $4500. i took it to another mechanic and he said that there was a chance the engine has not been damaged, but only a chance. i let him perform the work of cleaning the oil pan and running a couple of oil changes to clean the sludge. the engine seemed to be running fine, but now (january 2003) i am getting a lot of smoke from the exhaust and they tell me that something must have been damaged but they can't tell without taking the engine apart. | |||
| 04/15/2002 | 110000 | ||
| My car has 135,000 miles on it and i was recently noticing that it would run hard and not switch gears as smoothly as it once had. i took it in to a toyota dealership to be evaluated and was told it had sludge in my engine probably due to infrequent oil changes i was then informed by the service advisor that it needed a new engine and that it would cost approximately $5000-$6000. i informed the advisor that i always had my oil changed as per the owner?s manual, and i requested a written estimate as to the exact details that formed the basis for this price quote. i was ultimately denied that information. the gentleman told me he would call me back and/or fax it to me, after which i received nothing. i called again, got his supervisor instead of the service advisor, and he explained that engine sludge was the diagnosis and that i could not get a written estimate because the exact parts needed could not be determined. he stated he would have to have someone look further into the engine's problem to give me the estimate in writing. i asked why this hadn't been done prior to the completion of the diagnosis that i ordered, and he then began stammering and informed me that he didn't have my file in front of him and he could call me back after looking into it further. he then proceeded to ask me if i was really willing to pay that much for an engine?. when i asked what my other alternatives were, he offered to transfer me to a salesman! i never received any further phone calls. it has been my experience that if i am not willing to buy a new vehicle, the level of service i receive decreases dramatically. i have since taken my car to another independent shop to have it repaired, where i have been able to get an explanation both in writing and by the advisor in conversation as to what exactly is wrong and what exactly needs to be fixed. | |||
| 06/15/2002 | 0 | ||
| In approx june of 2002 my timing belt had to be replaced i now appear to have the oil gelling problem. approx may 2003 i got out of the car to pump gas and the door will not open on the driver side. approx august 2003 i began noticing if driving on the highway and i apply my brakes my whole car begins shaking. | |||
| 01/15/2002 | 110000 | ||
| Sludge bill up in the enginge | |||
| 04/15/2002 | 77000 | ||
| Oil sludged at 77,000 miles after careful maintenance every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. engine flushed, valve cover gasket replaced, etc. (my cost) and continued maintenance, now 89,000 engine is blow while on trip with 80 year old mother 400 miles away from home | |||
| 01/15/2003 | 0 | ||
| I have always made regular oil changes, however, there is a definite oil sludge problem. didn't realize i had any recourse, but after other friends and family had complained about their camrys, i did some research on the web, and low and behold i came across the exact problem many toyota camrys have had. | |||
| 08/14/2003 | 4 | 02/03/1996 | |
| Several problems:faulty interior lighting,power antenna,brake noise,faulty power windows,main rear seal leak | |||
| 40000 | 1 | ||
| Power steering failure on 1996 toyota camry.*mr while driving, the consumer loss control of the vehicle which was due to failure of the power steering. *ts. the timing belt and radiator hose were replaced. *jb | |||
| 02/01/1996 | 5 | 10/04/1995 | |
| Upon starting vehicle at idle speed, the control valve sticks. this problem has been examined by dealership, and consumer has been told that this was normal. *ak brakes experience grinding, squeaking, and vibration, rotors were warped and brake pads were glazed, brakes have been replaced, however problem continues. consumer states there is a suspension problem that is causing uneven tire wear. vehicle experiences several engine related problems, motor mounts were weak causing steering wheel vibration, 16 valve seals came apart due to being installed incorrectly, water pump leaked, timing belt failed, valve cover leaked, and cam seal was replaced. vehicle experienced transmission related problems, right outer axle boot was split and leaking grease, cv boots failed twice, shifter was hard and was making noises, dealer found the shifter lever plate was broken, transmission pan gasket was replaced, there was a clunking noise in the rear when going in reverse. the car jack was missing from the trunk and the antenna was inoperable. dealer found an open circuit in the battery. consumer noticed a rattling noise under the right front seat, dealer secured seat slide adjuster hook, temperature gauge did not work properly. overdrive light was inoperable. vehicle has experienced several fuel related problems, the egr valve assembly, egr modulator, idler control valve, idle air speed control, distributor o-ring, idler bearing, isc valve, and vacuum switching valve have all been replaced, blue smoke was coming out of the exhaust, dealer cleaned the throttle body, fuel injection, and recalibrated the fuel sensor, vehicle was running rough and stalling due to faulty egr vacuum modulator, dealer stated that the valve would default if there was too much oil added, the valve is too small so it will stick or become clogged up with carbon build up. *slc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 07/07/1999 | |||
| Reservoir bottle failed prematurely. bottle deteriated and leaks coolant onto the exhaust. | |||
| 03/19/1996 | 9 | ||
| Water pump leaks. *sd | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 11/20/2001 | 1 | 03/23/1997 | |
| The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat. *slc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 04/30/2008 | 117000 | 1 | |
| Daughter was driving her 1996 camry vehicle cut off while driving she coasted to the side of the road vehicle had to be towed. later learned from two different mechanics that engine had seized up for no apparent reason. *tr | |||
| 02/02/2007 | 140578 | 1 | |
| Tl* - the contact called regarding the 1996 toyota camry. the contact stated that during a routine oil change the mechanic discovered a sticky substance around the valve cover gasket. the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as needing a new engine. the contact believed thiswas a safety defect. the failure mileage was 140,578. *ak the power steering pump was re-sealed, the timing belt and axle seals were replaced. updated 04/12/07. *jb | |||
| 02/21/2005 | 77700 | 12 | |
| Car continutes to stall when at a stop and slowly idling repetitively. creates dangerous situation for example when light turns green and car won't go! told idle air valve which i see in doing research seems to be a very common problem. expensive repair. perhaps a recall would be in order?*ak | |||
| 07/05/2002 | 1 | 07/13/1996 | |
| The consumer was concerned that the vehicle may catch on fire because the vehicle was leaking oil. *nm the rear main seal leaked. smoke was also present. *sc *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Engine seizure in 1996 toyota camry.*mr the engine seizure was due to engine sludge build up. *jb *nlm | |||
| 70000 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 35 mph vehicle lost brake and steering power. this occurred because the timing belt jumped, and the engine seized up because of an oil jellying problem in the engine, per dealership.*ak | |||
| 06/05/2003 | 79980 | 06/05/1996 | |
| Complain i own a 1996 toyota camry that recently experienced an engine damage due to the build-up of oil sludge before 80,000 miles. my car has the same 2.2l 4 cylinder engine as their camry 1997-2001 models, which toyota agreed to cover the cost of repairing those engines. however, despite the fact that my car has the same engine and it was produced two months prior to that time frame, because it is in a 1996 model, toyota has refused to cover the cost of repairing it. there is no disputing that the failure of thousands of these engines as a result of a build-up of oil sludge can be attributable only to the fact that these engines are defective. as such, it is absolutely outrageous that toyota should take responsibility for the repair of some of these defective engines and not others. thank you for your consideration. peter xu. *nlm | |||
| 05/12/2003 | 110430 | 1 | 07/10/2001 |
| Engine seizure due to oil sludge. *nlm | |||
| 04/03/2003 | 118226 | ||
| While driving consumer heard a loud boom noise. it was later determined that the engine had blown and had 2 large holes in it. *nlm | |||
| 1 | |||
| The vehicle experienced stalling/starting problems, which was caused by the egr valve, the fuel pressure regulator and the idle speed control valve, which were all replaced, the tires experienced uneven tire wear, the brakes failed, there were transmission, driveline and steering problems, the o-ring was replaced, and also the vehicle began to exhibit engine oil sludge. *ak *jb | |||
| 02/26/2003 | 80000 | 06/07/1996 | |
| I own a 1996 toyota camry that recently experienced an engine failure due to the build-up of oil sludge after only 80,000 miles. my car has the same 2.2l 4 cylinder engine that has been shown to be susceptible to this sludge problem. in recognition of the problem with these engines, toyota agreed to cover the cost of repairing those engines in their 1997-2001 models. however, despite the fact that my car has the same engine and it was produced two months prior to that time frame, because it is in a 1996 model toyota has refused to cover the cost of repairing it. there is no disputing that the failure of thousands of these engines as a result of a build-up of oil sludge can be attributable only to the fact that these engines are defective. as such, it is absolutely outrageous that toyota should take responsibility for the repair of some of these defective engines and not others. thank you for your consideration. gary levine. *nlm | |||
| 12/11/2001 | 07/01/2096 | ||
| #1 - discovered wind noise from an incomplete seal in right rear quarter glass of vehicle, one month after purchase. took vehicle into del toyota(dealer), who said they resealed the window. noise from said window continued, at higher speeds above 30mph. i took vehicle back into dealer one month later. this time, they said they replaced the weatherstrip around the window, that the wind noise had been caused by deformed weatherstrip. this was done while vehicle was under warranty, never to my satisfaction. condition exists today, 05/29/2002!! #2 - disc brakes were serviced by jerry's toyota in baltimore, after making a sticking noise right before the vehicle completely stopped. the dealer replaced the front pads, machined the rotors, and serviced the left front caliper after he found it sticking. this did not alleviate the problem with the brake noise, which continues today (05/29/2002) even after a second servicing! #3 - engine light came on, so i took the toyota camry into jerry's toyota for servicing. they cleaned carbon deposits from injectors, throttle plate valves and piston rings; said the problem was in the #3 cylinder. this happened a second time; i took the vehicle in for servicing. i am now waiting for either a third incident at $200. to fix, or if they replace any fuel injectors, these cost $200. ea per part!!*ak | |||
| 02/01/1996 | 5 | 10/04/1995 | |
| Upon starting vehicle at idle speed, the control valve sticks. this problem has been examined by dealership, and consumer has been told that this was normal. *ak brakes experience grinding, squeaking, and vibration, rotors were warped and brake pads were glazed, brakes have been replaced, however problem continues. consumer states there is a suspension problem that is causing uneven tire wear. vehicle experiences several engine related problems, motor mounts were weak causing steering wheel vibration, 16 valve seals came apart due to being installed incorrectly, water pump leaked, timing belt failed, valve cover leaked, and cam seal was replaced. vehicle experienced transmission related problems, right outer axle boot was split and leaking grease, cv boots failed twice, shifter was hard and was making noises, dealer found the shifter lever plate was broken, transmission pan gasket was replaced, there was a clunking noise in the rear when going in reverse. the car jack was missing from the trunk and the antenna was inoperable. dealer found an open circuit in the battery. consumer noticed a rattling noise under the right front seat, dealer secured seat slide adjuster hook, temperature gauge did not work properly. overdrive light was inoperable. vehicle has experienced several fuel related problems, the egr valve assembly, egr modulator, idler control valve, idle air speed control, distributor o-ring, idler bearing, isc valve, and vacuum switching valve have all been replaced, blue smoke was coming out of the exhaust, dealer cleaned the throttle body, fuel injection, and recalibrated the fuel sensor, vehicle was running rough and stalling due to faulty egr vacuum modulator, dealer stated that the valve would default if there was too much oil added, the valve is too small so it will stick or become clogged up with carbon build up. *slc | |||
| 10/01/1996 | 4 | 12/01/1995 | |
| Replaced valve assembly 4 times (about 1/year). *ak | |||
| 11/10/2000 | 1 | 04/01/2000 | |
| Mechanic told consumer motor blew due to saddles that hold the rod cap in place were over tightened. *ak the rod came loose and went through the motor block, consumer wants someone else to look at the motor. air conditioner compressor failed. *slc | |||
| 09/01/1996 | 0 | ||
| Vehicle stalls without prior warning. also, it has a cold start up/sometimes it won't start, and there is rough idling. *ak | |||
| 07/12/1996 | |||
| Vehicle malkes a loud rattling noise when idling. dealer said vehicle needed new timing belt. *ak | |||
| 03/14/1997 | 6 | 06/09/1996 | |
| Air valve stuck causing vehicle to experience hard startup. | |||
| 06/26/1996 | 1 | 11/01/1995 | |
| Engine valve assembly failed. | |||
| 09/17/1997 | 1 | 05/01/1996 | |
| Cold start valve failed. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 09/24/2002 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| While starting the vehicle, blue smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. the dealership is aware of the problem. *nlm the consumer stated that the dealer said that it was an engine sludge problem. there is a recall on 1997-2001 2.2 cyl engines, which can cause the engine to seize up during operation. the engine is prone to dangerous levels of gasoline contamination dilution. the consumer feels that this vehicle should be covered even though its a 1996, because it has the same engine. *scc | |||
| 05/01/2002 | |||
| Vehicle has excessive oil consumption, there is blue smoke coming from tailpipe at start up. dealer stated there was a sludge problem in engine due to the oil not being changed regularly.*ak | |||
| 06/07/2002 | 1 | 04/01/2002 | |
| The engine seized and blew while driving on the interstate, which caused a catastophic fire and complete damage to the entire engine and surrounding parts. it was a potentially disastrous event that could have caused great injury. we are contacting toyota regarding the newsworthy engine sludge problem that they are admitting in 1996-2000 camrys (ours was 1996) and there claim of honoring engine damage claims.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states that oil and other coolants sludged up in vehicle. consumer had to replace engine. mechanic indicated it was a manufacturer problem.*jb | |||
| 11/20/2001 | 1 | 03/23/1997 | |
| The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat. *slc | |||
| 04/01/2002 | |||
| When starting vehicle consumer has to step on gas pedal to start vehicle, which can cause internal damage to bearings.*ak | |||
| 10/30/2001 | 01/01/1997 | ||
| Sludge buildup in engine. huge puffs of black smoke on starting. *ak | |||
| 11/20/2001 | 1 | 03/23/1997 | |
| The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat. *slc | |||
| 1 | 03/30/1996 | ||
| Vehicle stalls in traffic when releasing gas pedal, this happens intermittently, contacted dealer and dealer stated that has to happen with them before vehicle can be checked. *ak *slc | |||
| 3 | |||
| Whenever vehicle is either idling at a stop sign or light it would stall . could be driving or turning a corner, vehicle would stall. has happened 3 times. had taken vehicle to dealer, mechanic could not locate cause of stalling.*ak | |||
| Cannot start engine and engine stallling due to idle spped control valve failure. replaced isc valve 5 times since 1997. | |||
| 01/17/1998 | 4 | 03/01/1996 | |
| Car stalls when starting cold. idle speed control motor failed 4 times since purchased, almost once a year. | |||
| 12/07/2000 | 1 | ||
| I have seen on the internet that there have been numerous sludge engine with proper maintenance. toyota not backing the warranty. there is a big problem worldwide here. *ak | |||
| 09/01/1996 | |||
| Mech said failure of neoprene washer caused trans failure | |||
| 03/29/2000 | 4 | 01/25/1996 | |
| While driving at low speed vehicle would stall without prior warning. every 7-8 months it shows symptoms of instability during ignition. the rpm needle is also very unstable, especially on colder days. *ak *ml | |||
| 06/26/1999 | |||
| While driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. dealer cannot determine the cause. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1999 | 100 | 03/01/1998 | |
| No cold/fast idle, car stalls when starting cold, idle erratic, goes low have to give it gas so it won't stall,3 trips to the dealer, each time dealer claimed car was repaired, problem still exists. toyota customer service has been no help, when contacing dealer for the fourth time, they said they'd get back to me. won't return my calls. this is going on for a month, i am afraid to drive the car. | |||
| 03/10/1998 | |||
| While driving all power stopped, causing the driver to lose control. when noticed the power failure tried to pull over, but did not have control of the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1997 | 1 | 07/01/1996 | |
| Since the owner of the vehicle purchased the automobile, it has been pulsating/vibrating and hesitation when driving at higher speeds of 50 mph or more. the dealership has not been able to rectify the problem and consumer is unsatisfied with the performance of the vehicle. | |||
| 02/01/1996 | 3 | 10/01/1995 | |
| Engine is having trouble starting, the problem is undiagnosed and is still present. | |||
| 3 | 06/18/1996 | ||
| Engine surges at various speeds. | |||
| 03/14/1997 | 1 | 09/06/1996 | |
| The vehicle failed to start. | |||
| 09/01/1996 | 1 | 11/01/1995 | |
| The vehicle would not start without stepping on gas. | |||
| 11/01/1996 | 1 | 10/01/1996 | |
| Engine oil leaks. | |||
| 01/29/1996 | 1 | 11/02/1996 | |
| Vehicle stalls momentarily then jerks forward, simultaneously the electrical system fails also. | |||
| 03/19/1996 | 9 | ||
| Enigne noise. *sd | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 03/16/2004 | 114750 | 30 | 01/15/2002 |
| 4 cylinder engine has starting problems when cold. it takes about three or four attempts to start (stalls a lot.) took vehicle to independent shop and was told it probably needed a timing belt. $1200 later and the car was good for about three months. the stalling problem is back. toyota said it cannot diagnose if they cannot duplicate problem. no codes set and it will not happen all the time. it is becoming fustrating though.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Problems with 1996 toyota camry.*mr a few years after the vehicle was purchased, the consumer received a letter from toyota which stated it was necessary to have the vehicle timing belt replaced before 60,000 miles. the letter indicated that if the belt should malfunction, the vehicle could stop running. since receiving the letter the consumer has received numerous advertisements regarding timing belt replacements from several local toyota dealerships. the consumer believed that a recall should be issued since toyota seemed to know there was a problem. *jb *nm | |||
| 70000 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 35 mph vehicle lost brake and steering power. this occurred because the timing belt jumped, and the engine seized up because of an oil jellying problem in the engine, per dealership.*ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 03/10/1999 | 18000 | 1 | |
| 1996 toyota camry developed problems stalling out in traffic and would buck like a bronco sometimes when driving (before stalling). dealership repairs cost me thousands of dollars. very dangerous trying to get from here to there in this vehicle. technicians kept taking the car back down to the engine block. sent a letter to toyota requesting they examine the invoices and repairs on a car with such low mileage. the sent a letter back. one line-nothing in these invoices is under warranty toyota was not interested in fixing their mistakes and was not interested in learning from them. they were not interested in the safety of their customers. i knew at that time they were interested in growth and profit and let it be known to my friends and family that they should not buy toyota vehicles. *tr | |||
| 02/15/2000 | 39486 | ||
| I have engine gelling that has led to engine damage severe enough that i will either need a new short block or new engine (according to toyota). even with all of the work that i have already had on the vehicle, the engine is not in proper running order and will take thousands of dollars to remedy the issue. | |||
| 05/28/1996 | 7128 | 8 | |
| The idle speed control valve was replaced because the vehicle had difficulties starting. the problem still occurred and was replaced 7 more times. the consumer found information on a toyota report which indicated that the egr valve and the fuel pressure regulator were preventing the vehicle from starting. *scc *nlm | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 03/12/2004 | 52000 | 1 | |
| Air fuel sensor failed. as a result the warning light came on. part is not able to be maintained by anyone including a mechanic, and there was no way of checking unless the part failed. *ak | |||
| 03/12/2004 | 70250 | 0 | 03/28/1996 |
| Failure to pass smog test. my 1996 camry has been serviced regularly, mostly by dealer. had its 60,000 mile service in august last year by toyota (and 45,000 service in 02). failed the smog test at 70,271 miles. toyota dealer then did investigation (said failing hc reading slightly over limit). check 02-ss signal on both sensor and pcv valve. they also said they removed and clean mass air flow and pcv system. just doesn't seem right that the car didn't pass the smog check, when toyota has been maintaining car, and when the car really isn't that old (with no modifications). *nm | |||
| 01/01/1999 | 1 | ||
| Vehicles oxygen sensor failure caused the engine to surge and die unless the engine is completely warm. *et | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 09/15/2004 | 95000 | 7 | 06/17/1998 |
| Dt: since september 2004 consume has been inhaling sulfur fumes on the inside and outside of the vehicle. smell was so great that it mad. daughter physically ill. two converters have been replaced with no success. dealer said to change gas brands, tsb indicated large amounts of sulfur in gas. vehicle was in a flood, dealer stated other vehicles that were not in flood were experiencing the same problem. *ak | |||
| 04/03/2003 | 28000 | 01/16/1996 | |
| As of this week the flex pipe to the catalytic converter was determined to be malfunctioning. this caused exhaust gases to be emitted under the cabin of the vehicle. the local dealer is refusing to replace this part which is attached to the converter because he says that the part is not covered under warranty. however, the catalytic converter, which is covered under warranty is a single assembly attached to the malfunctioning flex pipe. | |||
| 03/14/1999 | 1 | ||
| The flexible pipe including the catalytic converter from the exhaust failed, dealer would not reimburse consumer for the defect. *slc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||
| 1 | |||
| The vehicle experienced stalling/starting problems, which was caused by the egr valve, the fuel pressure regulator and the idle speed control valve, which were all replaced, the tires experienced uneven tire wear, the brakes failed, there were transmission, driveline and steering problems, the o-ring was replaced, and also the vehicle began to exhibit engine oil sludge. *ak *jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 09/20/2004 | 2 | 09/04/1996 | |
| 1.) the black paint on the windshield wipers has worn off, exposing a bright metallic surface which reflects sunlight directly into the driver's eyes.; 2.) having only 37,000 miles on the vehicle, the exhuast system is in need of replacement!!!*ak | |||
| 09/24/2002 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| While starting the vehicle, blue smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. the dealership is aware of the problem. *nlm the consumer stated that the dealer said that it was an engine sludge problem. there is a recall on 1997-2001 2.2 cyl engines, which can cause the engine to seize up during operation. the engine is prone to dangerous levels of gasoline contamination dilution. the consumer feels that this vehicle should be covered even though its a 1996, because it has the same engine. *scc | |||
| 1 | |||
| Exhaust pipe assembly replaced, failure causing fumes to enter vehicle. mjs | |||